Here's what makes Salt Lake different: while other cities make you choose between mountains or craft beer, we've perfected the art of having both—minutes, not hours, apart. Whether you're chasing panoramic views or that perfect IPA, Salt Lake pairs accessible trails with standout breweries in a way that'll make you wonder why you ever settled for just one or the other.
Want the perfect introduction to Salt Lake's trail-to-brewery game? This pairing is your answer. The Bonneville Shoreline Trail delivers sweeping valley views without the commitment of an all-day adventure, and Level Crossing? They get it—after you've earned those views, you want a beer that matches the scenery.
Just minutes from downtown, the Bonneville Shoreline Trail offers sweeping valley views and flexible hiking or biking routes. After exploring rolling terrain once covered by ancient Lake Bonneville, cool off at Level Crossing Brewing Co. Their industrial-chic atmosphere and vintage railcar décor create the perfect post-trail landing spot for a refreshing IPA and brick-oven pizza.
Trail Overview
Trail Type: Multi-use (hike, trail run, or mountain bike)
Distance: Choose-your-own-length; this trail stretches more than 100 miles across the Wasatch Front
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Highlights: Panoramic valley views, rolling terrain, easy access from the city
Brewery Details
Vibe: Industrial-cool with a spacious patio and vintage railcar décor
Must-Try Beer: Suss It Out Rye IPA
Food: Brick oven pizzas and pub snacks
Hours: 11 AM–10 PM daily
Reservations: Not required, walk-ins welcome
Need-to-Know Tips
Popular trailheads: Terrace Hills, Natural History Museum, Bear Canyon Suspension Bridge
Parking available at trailheads
Great year-round with snow-free conditions most of the year
Fun Fact: The Bonneville Shoreline Trail traces the ancient Lake Bonneville, which once covered much of western Utah—you're literally hiking the edge of prehistoric waters.
2. Millcreek Pipeline Trail + Uinta Brewing Company
Here's why locals love this combo: Millcreek Canyon is our collective backyard escape, and Uinta's been perfecting post-hike pints since 1993. The Pipeline Trail's shaded paths and sunset vistas pair beautifully with Uinta's rustic taproom vibes—it's like they planned it this way.
Millcreek Canyon's shaded Pipeline Trail is beloved for its dog-friendly paths and sunset vistas. After your hike, reward yourself at Uinta Brewing's rustic taproom, famous for the iconic Cutthroat Pale Ale. Perfect for winding down with a snack from local food trucks.
Great for sunset hikes—bring a headlamp for the return
Note: Millcreek Canyon allows dogs off-leash on odd-numbered days (because even our pets need scheduling)
Cultural Note: Millcreek Canyon is beloved by locals for its quick access and tree-lined trails—it's where many Salt Lakers escape for post-work hikes and weekend decompression.
3. City Creek Canyon + Red Rock Brewing Company
Some pairings just make sense: a leisurely trail that follows a bubbling creek right into the mountains, then a short trip to one of Salt Lake's most beloved brewpubs. City Creek Canyon proves that accessibility doesn't mean sacrificing beauty, and Red Rock's been the perfect post-adventure landing spot since 1994.
Ideal for a leisurely stroll or an easy bike ride along a bubbling creek, City Creek Canyon blends nature with urban accessibility. Finish your exploration at the warm, inviting Red Rock Brewing Company, a local favorite since 1994, and indulge in their award-winning Elephino Double IPA and hearty meals.
Trail Overview
Type: Paved for the first few miles, great for road bikes and casual walks
Distance: Up to 6.5 miles out and back
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Follows a bubbling creek into a shaded canyon
Brewery Details
Vibe: Classic brewpub with a warm, inviting atmosphere
Must-Try Beer: Elephino Double IPA (yes, the name's as fun as it sounds)
Food: Full menu including pizzas, burgers, and salads
Hours: Mon–Thu 11 AM–11 PM; Fri 11 AM–12 AM, Sat 10:30 AM–12 AM, Sun 10:30 AM–11 PM
Reservations: Recommended for weekends
Need-to-Know Tips
Bike-friendly route, popular with both locals and visitors
Local Flavor: Red Rock Brewing has been a staple in Salt Lake's craft beer scene since 1994, back when craft beer was still explaining itself. They've never had to.
4. Donut Falls Trail + Epic Brewing Company
Want to know the secret to Salt Lake's appeal? It's places like Donut Falls—typically less than 45 minutes from downtown, you'll find one of Utah's most Instagram-worthy waterfalls. Short hike, big reward. And Epic Brewing? They apply that same philosophy to their beers: bold, full-flavored brews that pack as much punch as that waterfall you just photographed.
The short, family-friendly hike toDonut Falls rewards visitors with one of Utah's most photogenic waterfalls. Afterward, head to Epic Brewing for an equally impressive experience with bold-flavored brews like the Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout in a modern taproom setting.
Trail Overview
Type: Family-friendly hike with scenic payoff
Distance: 1.5 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Forested trail, creek crossings, waterfall that flows through a rock "donut" formation
Brewery Details
Vibe: Modern taproom focusing on high-alcohol, full-flavored beers
Must-Try Beer: Big Bad Baptist Imperial Stout (it's as bold as it sounds)
Arrive early—parking fills fast, especially on weekends
Dogs not allowed in Big Cottonwood Canyon due to watershed protection
Fun Fact: Donut Falls might be Utah's most photographed waterfall. The rock formation really does look like a donut, and the beer really does taste better after the hike.
Here's what road cyclists love about Salt Lake: you can earn serious canyon views without dealing with traffic nightmares. Emigration Canyon's steady climbs and scenic curves make for the perfect morning ride, and Squatters has been the ideal post-ride reward since 1989—that's a lot of satisfied cyclists.
Road cyclists will appreciate Emigration Canyon's steady climb and scenic curves. Post-ride, recharge atSquatters Pub Brewery, a historic downtown hotspot serving robust Hop Rising Double IPA and a diverse menu, catering to cyclists and craft beer enthusiasts alike.
Trail Overview
Type: Road biking
Distance: ~14 miles out and back
Difficulty: Moderate with steady incline
Highlights: Scenic winding canyon, low traffic on weekdays
Brewery Details
Vibe: Historic brewpub with a lively downtown atmosphere
Must-Try Beer: Hop Rising Double IPA (it'll lift your spirits as much as those climbs)
Food: Extensive menu featuring pub classics and vegetarian options
Hours: Mon–Fri 11:30 AM–11 PM; Sat–Sun 9 AM–11 PM
Reservations: Recommended for weekends
Need-to-Know Tips
Start from Rotary Glen Park near the Hogle Zoo, plenty of parking nearby
Watch for afternoon traffic on weekends
Did You Know? Squatters was one of Salt Lake's original brewpubs, back when craft beer was still a rebellion. Now it's a tradition.
6. Jordan River Parkway + Shades Brewing
Sometimes the best adventures happen on flat ground. The Jordan River Parkway proves that urban trails can surprise you—birdwatching between downtown buildings, anyone? AndShades Brewing? They're not afraid to experiment, just like you're not afraid to explore something unexpected.
For an easy, urban outdoor adventure, Jordan River Parkway delivers birdwatching opportunities and river views. End your day at Shades Brewing, known for adventurous beers like their Kveik Thai Tom Kha. With elevated pub bites and an experimental brewing style, this pairing offers a unique urban vibe.
Trail Overview
Type: Urban paved trail ideal for bikes, scooters, and joggers
Distance: 45 miles total; create your own route
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: River views, wetlands, birdwatching
Brewery Details
Vibe: Eclectic and experimental, with bold flavor profiles
Must-Try Beer: Kveik Thai Tom Kha (yes, it tastes like the soup—and yes, it works)
Food: Full kitchen with pub-style bites—expect elevated burgers, shareable snacks, and weekend specials
Access from multiple points; Fairpark or South Salt Lake trailheads recommended for visitors
Ideal for a casual ride or family-friendly outing
Eco Angle: This parkway is part of a long-term greenway effort connecting communities from Utah Lake to the Great Salt Lake—it's conservation meets recreation, and it works.
FAQs
Is public transportation available to these trails and breweries?
Absolutely. UTA's TRAX light rail and bus system connects most downtown-adjacent trailheads and breweries. Check our transportation page for routes—because who says adventure requires a car?
Do I need to bring my own bike?
Not unless you want to. Salt Lake's GREENbike bike share program has stations throughout downtown and near several trailheads. For longer or more technical rides, consider renting from local shops like Salt Lake eBikes or Canyon Sports. Most shops offer half-day and full-day rentals, including e-bikes and mountain bikes.
Are the breweries family- or dog-friendly
Most breweries welcome dogs on patios and many are family-friendly—check each brewery's website for specifics, because every pup and kiddo deserves a good time too.
Can you do multiple trails in one day
Why not? We recommend pairing a morning bike ride on the Jordan River Parkway with an afternoon on the Bonneville Shoreline Trail, stopping for lunch downtown in between activities.
What’s the best season for these adventures?
Spring and fall deliver perfect weather, summer means early starts (trust us on this), and winter? Some paved paths stay accessible year-round. Salt Lake doesn't believe in off-seasons.
Ready to discover what makes Salt Lake different? Use our top hikes guide or grab aSalt Lake Brewery Pass and create your own trails-to-ales story. Because here, the best adventures are measured in minutes, not hours.
